5 Best VPNs for Grindr in 2024
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Andželika Jasevičiūtė
Writer
Grindr is a popular LIGBTQ+ dating app with over 11 million active monthly users worldwide. However, the app is not available to everyone due to governmental scrutiny and censorship. It is monitored and blocked in several countries, such as Turkey, China, Russia, and Iran.
Another important issue regarding the app is privacy concerns. Like most other online dating apps, it is not anonymous. Grindr collects personal info like location data and IP addresses and sells it to advertisers.
A VPN can help bypass censorship and geo-restrictions and protect your privacy online. All you need is a reliable provider. We ran extensive testing to pick the best VPN for Grindr, so continue reading if you want to stay anonymous on the app.
Top 5 best Grindr VPNs
- NordVPN – best VPN for Grindr overall
- Surfshark – excellent geo-unblocking for Grindr
- Norton Secure VPN – great Grindr VPN for security-minded users
- ExpressVPN – fast and efficient Grindr VPN
- CyberGhost VPN – largest server fleet with many locations
How to unblock Grindr with a VPN
- Choose a reliable VPN provider. We recommend getting NordVPN with 74% OFF!
- Download and install the VPN on your device.
- Connect to a server in a location where Grindr is not restricted, such as the UK.
- Open Grindr, and get swiping!
Best VPNs for Grindr – our detailed list:
After testing dozens of providers based on their unblocking capabilities, security measures, and additional features, we gathered a list of the best VPNs for Grindr. Find them below.
1. NordVPN – best VPN for Grindr overall
| Based in: | Panama |
| Servers/countries: | 6300+ servers in 111 countries |
| Unblocks Netflix: | Yes |
| Coupons: | Now up to 74% OFF + 3 months for free! |
NordVPN has a proven track record of unblocking censored content, and Grindr is no exception. It provides easy access to the platform while making your connection private and secure.
Servers. The provider offers a large fleet of 6300 servers. Many are located in Grindr-friendly countries such as the UK, Thailand, and Italy, allowing you to bypass censorship.
Security. Powered with unbreakable AES-256 encryption, NordVPN protects your traffic from unauthorized external actors. It safeguards your anonymity with RAM-only servers and obfuscation. This means that your traffic data is promptly deleted once the servers reboot, and no one can detect you're using a VPN.
Additional features. NordVPN has a proprietary NordLynx tunneling protocol, which is fast and secure. On top of that, the VPN blocks annoying ads and trackers.
Price. You can get NordVPN for $3.09/month. The package includes 6 simultaneous connections.
For more information, check out our in-depth NordVPN review.
2. Surfshark – great value VPN for Grindr
| Based in: | The Netherlands |
| Servers/countries: | 3200+ servers in 100 countries |
| Unblocks Netflix: | Yes |
| Coupons: | Now up to 86% OFF + 3 months FREE |
Surfshark is a rare combination of a budget-friendly price and impressive performance when unblocking Grindr. It provides sufficient anonymity to stay protected no matter what.
Servers. The provider offers 3200+ servers in 100 countries. The wide server coverage guarantees connection to Grindr everywhere, including Belgium, the US, Ireland, and others.
Security. With AES-256 encryption, Surfshark ensures that your data is impossible to crack. Additionally, it offers RAM-only servers, an audited no-logs policy, and obfuscation to access Grindr with full anonymity.
Additional features. The excellent speeds are guaranteed through a leading WireGuard protocol. Furthermore, Surfshark offers many features, including P2P support, server malware blocker, and split tunneling. On top of that, this VPN is very easy to use and has a pleasant UI.
Price. Surfshark prices start at only $2.19/month. For the price, you'll also get unlimited simultaneous connections.
To learn more about this provider, read our full Surfshark review.
3. Norton Secure VPN – secure Grindr VPN with budget-friendly plans
| Based in: | 28 |
| Servers/countries: | 5000+ servers in 28 countries |
| Unblocks Netflix: | No |
| Coupons: | Now up to 54% OFF Norton VPN! |
For Grindr users seeking security, Norton Secure VPN is an excellent choice. With its user-friendly interface and security features, this VPN ensures your anonymity while using Grindr.
Servers. Despite its modest server fleet (5000+ servers in 28 countries), Norton Secure VPN delivers above-average performance across its network, including key locations like the UK, Netherlands, and the US.
Security. Using advanced AES encryption, Norton Secure VPN shields you from potential threats like data snoopers. In addition to its encryption protocols, Norton Secure VPN offers features like Wi-Fi Security, further fortifying your privacy.
Additional features. Besides the basics, Norton offers an ad blocker that can block malicious sites and a split tunneling feature that allows you to exclude from connecting to a VPN.
Price. Norton Secure VPN provides exceptional value for its comprehensive service – its prices start at $3.33/month and you can get a full antivirus package with a 7-day free trial and a 60-day money refund.
Read the Norton Secure VPN review and learn more.
4. ExpressVPN – ultra-fast and very stable VPN for Grindr
| Based in: | British Virgin Islands |
| Servers/countries: | 3000+ servers in 105 locations |
| Unblocks US Netflix: | Yes |
| Current deal: | Now up to 48% OFF + 3 months FREE! |
ExpressVPN offers great performance in a wide range of areas. It's fast, stable, excellent at geo-unblocking, and provides full anonymity for Grindr.
Servers. The VPN guarantees great connectivity without traffic congestion, with over 3000 servers in as many as 105 countries. It offers servers in Venezuela, Turkey, and Canada, to name a few.
Security. The VPN comes with leading AES-256 encryption. It also helps to bypass censorship with obfuscated servers. Meanwhile, its TrustedServer technology wipes the RAM-only servers after each reboot.
Additional features. The secret behind its excellent speed is a proprietary Lightway protocol. Besides speed, ExpressVPN offers a Threat Manager to remove trackers and malicious ads. It also comes with split tunneling, MediaStreamer, stealth servers, as well as a router app.
Price. ExpressVPN is not the cheapest provider, but it's worth $6.67/month. With it comes a 5 simultaneous connection cap.
To learn more about this provider, read our full ExpressVPN review.
5. CyberGhost – largest server fleet and great performance combo for Grindr
| Based in: | Romania |
| Servers/countries: | 11500+ servers in 100 locations |
| Unblocks US Netflix: | Yes |
| Current deal: | Now up to 84% OFF + 4 months FREE! |
CyberGhost has conquered other providers with its impressive server fleet. On top of that, it offers efficient security and full anonymity for Grindr users.
Servers. Its fleet consists of 11500+ servers that are located in 100 countries. You'll be able to find server locations most relevant for Grindr, such as Turkey, the US, Germany, and Iceland.
Security. CyberGhost has all the necessary components needed to protect your identity online. It comes with AES-256 encryption, obfuscation, and RAM-only servers. It also has an audited no-logs policy.
Additional features. It ensures fast speeds with top-notch WireGuard protocol. The provider also has an ad blocker to hide annoyances and malware in ads. It also comes with a dedicated IP option and split tunneling features.
Price. Getting CyberGhost doesn't cost much. The subscription starts at $2.03/month. You also get 7 simultaneous connections.
To read more about CyberGhost, visit our full review.
How we selected and tested Grindr VPNs
The best VPNs for Grindr weren't picked out at random. Before we included them in our list, we ran each provider through vigorous testing to ensure that they meet these criteria:
- Geo-unblocking. We tested each provider to see whether they could unblock Grindr in restricted locations. We also looked at the VPNs overall capabilities of unblocking geo-restricted content.
- Servers. We looked for providers with considerable server fleets to minimize the risk of traffic congestion. More importantly, we looked at the locations. A wide range of locations where Grindr is available will help you unblock the service.
- Security measures. Our chosen VPNs all have excellent security features such as high-level encryption, kill switches, obfuscation, and malware blockers to keep you safe and anonymous at all times.
- No log policies. It's detrimental that a VPN provider doesn't log your online activities. This way, they can guarantee full privacy from any government agency.
- Kill switch. This feature is necessary to prevent data leaks. It works by terminating your internet connection if a VPN gets disconnected for any reason.
Compare the best Grindr VPNs
| Brand | Rating | Servers | Supports WireGuard | Simultaneous connections | Streaming services | Compatibility | Price (lowest price per month) |
| NordVPN | 6300+ servers in 111 countries | ✅ a modern variation known as NordLynx | 10 | Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more | Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS | $3.09/month | |
| Surfshark | 3200+ servers in 100 countries | ✅ Yes | Unlimited | Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and more | Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS | $2.19/month | |
| Norton Secure VPN | 5000+ servers in 28 countries | ❌ No | 10 | BBC iPlayer, Max | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS | $3.33/month | |
| ExpressVPN | 3000+ servers in 105 countries | ✅ a modern variation known as Lightway | 8 | Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS | $6.67/month | |
| CyberGhost | 11500+ servers in 100 countries | ✅ Yes | 7 | Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+ | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS | $2.03/month |
Why is Grindr blocked in some countries?
The reasons why Grindr is blocked vary from country to country. Some governments block the app for cultural, political, or legal factors. Others block the app due to security and privacy concerns.
Currently, Grindr is blocked or restricted in these countries:
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China
- Turkey
- Iran
- Saudi Arabia
- United Arab Emirates
- Lebanon
- Indonesia
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Russia
Although not all of these countries disclose why they block or restrict the platform, the main reason may be that Grindr is deemed as promoting homosexuality, which is still stigmatized in these countries.
For example, China has enacted strict laws regulating online content. As a result, the government blocks and censors platforms such as Grindr when deemed politically sensitive or violates Chinese social and cultural values. Since homosexuality is stigmatized in the country, it's a likely reason for the ban. The situation is similar in other countries, such as Iran and Saudi Arabia.
While not officially outlawed, the platform has trouble operating in Russia due to laws regulating LGBTQ+ content as well as privacy concerns. In 2020 Grindr was fined by the Russian government for failing to comply with data localization laws which demand companies store Russian citizens' data on servers located within Russia. As a result, users in the country face restrictions on platform access.
The particular reasons why Grindr is restricted or outlawed depends on the country. Yet, the main cause remains prejudiced outlooks toward the LGBTQ+ community.
How to change location to unblock Grindr?
Connecting a VPN to Grindr is as simple as changing your location on Tinder or any other dating site. All you have to do is follow this step-by-step guide:
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Choose a reputable VPN provider. We recommend NordVPN.
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Download and install the NordVPN app.
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Turn on the kill switch and auto-connect features.
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Connect to a server in a country where Grindr is accessible.
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Check data leakage on ipleak.net.
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Download and start using Grindr.
Is it legal to use a VPN for Grindr?
The laws regarding VPN usage may differ from country to country. While most governments don't outlaw VPNs, they could restrict access to these tools or even prosecute users. Thus it's important to ensure that VPNs are legal before using them.
For example, China has complex laws regarding VPN usage. The country restricts access to provider websites and has security measures that detect VPN usage. A person may face fines, detention, and other legal repercussions if caught.
Other countries known to restrict VPN usage are Russia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, and several others. While some of them may not have penalties regarding VPN usage, a person may face legal consequences for engaging in illegal activities while using a VPN, such as accessing banned content. These countries are known to limit access to the service. Thus, you may need to change your IP address before buying a VPN.
What about a free VPN for Grindr?
Free VPNs may be an attractive option when you're looking to save money, but they come with many issues that may result in your real data leaking. If you want to prevent data from being exposed for using Grindr, we suggest getting a reliable premium VPN instead of a free one.
One of the reasons why free VPNs aren't a good option is the limited number of servers and their locations. Unlike premium VPNs, free providers don't have the resources to offer reliable servers in countries where Grindr is restricted.
Another important reason is the lack of security. Free VPNs can't compete against premium providers that offer market-leading encryption, tunneling protocols, and advanced security features. Without them, your connection may be vulnerable to hacking and other threats.
We suggest getting a free trial or taking advantage of money-back policies if you want to test out what the premium provider offers. Here are the best providers you can use for free for a limited time:
- NordVPN: 7-day free trial and 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Surfshark: 7-day free trial and 30-day money-back guarantee.
Conclusion
Using a VPN with Grindr can help you bypass geo-restrictions and censorship while also protecting your online privacy and security. However, choosing a reliable VPN provider with fast connection speeds, a strict no-logs policy, and a kill switch feature is important.
We recommend NordVPN. This provider can ensure the highest level of security and privacy. It offers market-leading AES encryption and top-notch tunneling protocols. NordVPN also comes with RAM-only servers that delete all traffic data upon reboot. Additionally, it offers obfuscation, preventing websites from knowing you're using a VPN. This secure VPN with impeccable geo-unblocking capabilities costs $3.09/month. You can also try it out with a 7-day free trial.
More VPN guides from Cybernews:
How to bypass Youtube TV location restrictions
How to change your location on Bumble
How to change location on Snapchat
How to change location on Facebook
How to change location on TikTok
How to change location on Instagram
How to change location on Chrome
FAQ
Which VPN can I use for Grindr?
According to our tests, the best VPN for Grindr is NordVPN. This provider offers excellent security and privacy as well as great unblocking capabilities. Thus, it's a good choice for those looking to protect their privacy while using the app and those that want to use it in restricted countries.
Does VPN work on the Grindr location?
Yes, a VPN will change your Grindr location. It will provide you with an IP address that will make it seem like you are connecting from a different location than the real one. However, for it to work, you need a reliable VPN. We recommend NordVPN. It is fast, secure, and has impeccable content-unblocking capabilities.
Which VPN is best for Grindr in Turkey?
NordVPN is the best VPN for Grindr in Turkey. It can bypass restrictions imposed on this platform to ensure safe and private access. The provider has a reliable kill switch for leak protection and a strict no-logs policy which has been audited three times.
What free VPNs work with Grindr?
We do not recommend using a free VPN. Instead, we suggest freemium services such as Atlas VPN. While limited, the free Atlas VPN version allows secure and private browsing. However, you'll need to upgrade to premium to make the most of it.
Does Grindr work in Pakistan?
No, Grindr is blocked in Pakistan, so it will not work. However, a reputable VPN service will help you to access it. We recommend using NordVPN, which has advanced security features to provide access to Grindr and guarantee secure and private usage.
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